Bad News for Migrants as Tough Decision to Stop Them from Staying in the UK is Proposed

Under the new immigration plans proposed by the Conservative Party, more than half of migrant workers might not be allowed to stay in the UK because they wouldn’t earn enough money to qualify.

Kemi Badenoch explained that migrants applying for permanent residency must be “net contributors” over 10 years. This means they must pay more in taxes than they receive in government benefits.

Currently, about two million migrants are expected to qualify for permanent residency soon, but under the new rules, more than half of them wouldn’t earn enough to meet the required income level.

Government data shows that 72% of skilled worker visas go to migrants earning less than the average UK salary, which is around £37,000 per year. Only 5% of visas in 2022-23 were given to highly skilled workers who are likely to contribute more than they take from the system.

Badenoch said that migrants should only be allowed to stay permanently if they have been working, not claiming government benefits, have not used social housing, and do not have a criminal record.

She also suggested that the time required before applying for permanent residency should increase from five years to ten years.

Additionally, after getting indefinite leave to remain, migrants would have to wait five years instead of one year before applying for British citizenship.

Badenoch stressed that permanent residency should only go to those who have shown a strong commitment to the UK. She argued that people coming to the UK just to claim benefits and social housing do not contribute to the economy. Instead, they rely on government support, which puts pressure on taxpayers who have to work harder to cover these costs.

Chris Philp, the shadow home secretary, supported these plans, saying that migrants should “earn” their right to stay by contributing more to the system than they take. He added that if someone wants to bring family members with them, they should contribute even more financially.

He also stated that British citizenship is a privilege, not something that should be easily given away. He accused the Labour Party of expecting hard-working taxpayers to support migrants who haven’t contributed, calling it unfair. The Conservatives’ new plan, he said, will make sure only migrants who truly contribute to the country will be allowed to stay.